The K6 is an ideal “crossover boat” from the performance dinghies to the traditional keelboats. It’s a big dinghy but has two of the big attractions of a keelboat: it’s easy to handle and doesn’t capsize. Its light weight means low sheet loads so it’s easily handled by mixed crews, and it’s a very simple strict one-design so needs no regular maintenance (enough bimbling is allowed to keep ex-14 sailors happy).
This makes it ideal for those without the time or energy to keep on top of their dinghy sailing. It’s
• Fast, with a PY similar to a 505 or Laser 4000, easily planing;
• Light (280kg), easily handled ashore and afloat (it has a retractable bulb keel so draws only 12” raised);
• Rigged like a dinghy, with light all-carbon spars and asymmetric spinnaker;
• Relatively affordable at £15,000 (plus extras) new, £7,000+ second hand;
• Can be sailed with two or three crew.
Where is it sailed?
It’s a niche class but it’s growing in popularity: well over a hundred have now been built and there are fleets at
Aldeburgh
Carsington
Queen Mary
Yarmouth
Lymington
Hayling
The biggest fleet is actually in the US at the American YC in Long Island Sound
